Medication Errors in Suffolk County Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents usually do not have a chance to defend their rights. They are highly vulnerable to neglect and abuse. The staff's negligent actions can hurt your loved one's health and decrease their quality of life significantly.

Medication errors in Suffolk County nursing homes require a legal approach. You can file a claim against at-fault parties and seek compensation. This can help cover medical bills associated with the error and prevent the problem from happening again. Reach out to our nursing home abuse attorneys to discuss a claim.

Common Medication Errors in Nursing Home

Medication errors in nursing homes in Suffolk County can occur for various reasons. The doctor may prescribe the wrong medication or the staff can administer it the wrong way. In the first case, it is malpractice. In the second, it is nursing home abuse. The most common medication errors in nursing homes are:

• Incorrect dosage: Administering too much or too little medication.
• Wrong medication: Giving a resident a medication intended for another individual or prescribing an incorrect drug.
• Missed doses: Failing to administer medication at the prescribed time.
• Improper administration: Using the wrong method to administer medication, such as crushing a pill that should not be crushed
• Failure to monitor side effects: Ignoring adverse reactions or not adjusting medicationsdoses  based on observed side effects.
• Drug interactions: Prescribing or administering medications that interact negatively.
• Expired medications: Using medications that are past their expiration date.

Any of these negligent actions can lead to a worsening of the medical condition or even death. Since residents can not understand if there are any issues with medication, their lives are in danger.

How to Sue for Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

If a resident's family member suspects medication mistakes in a Suffolk County nursing home, they have to take immediate action. The key steps to follow are:

Report the Abuse

Report the suspected abuse to the nursing home administration and relevant authorities. Filing a report documents the problem officially. It may prompt an internal investigation and corrective action.

Consult an Attorney

Nursing home abuse cases are often complicated. They require conducting detailed investigations and gathering evidence. An experienced lawyer can assess your claim and advise on the best course of action. They can also negotiate on your behalf and present your case in court.

Gather Evidence

The resident's family and legal team have to collect medical records, facility reports, witness statements, and proof of harm. An attorney may also subpoena additional records, such as staff schedules, surveillance footage, or prior complaints filed against the facility.

File the Lawsuit

Once the evidence is ready, the attorney can file a formal complaint in court. In the  State of New York the statute of limitations allows three years for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit. However, if the nursing home is government-owned, the period is shorter.

Consult an Attorney about Medication Errors in Suffolk County Nursing Homes

If you believe that your loved one is being mistreated in the nursing home, you must take action. A practiced attorney can guide you through the case and help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Duffy & Duffy, we have been helping defend the rights of victims of medication errors in Suffolk County nursing homes for many years. To schedule a consultation and plan your next steps, please contact our team at any time.